Introduction
10.1. INTRODUCTION
Primary collection of waste is the second essential step of Solid Waste Management activity. Primary collection system is necessary to ensure that waste stored at source is collected regularly and it is not disposed of on the streets, drains, water bodies, etc. However, step has to synchronize well with the first step i.e. Storage of Waste at source.
10.2. PRESENT SCENARIO
In India, the system of primary collection of waste is practically nonexistent, as the system of storage of waste at source is yet to be developed.
Doorstep collection of waste from households, shops and establishments is insignificant and wherever it is introduced through private sweepers or departmentally, the system does not synchronize further with the facility of Waste Storage Depots and Transportation of Waste. The waste so stored is deposited on the streets or on the ground outside the dustbin. Thus streets are generally treated as receptacles of waste and the primary collection of waste is done, by and large, through street sweeping.
An appropriate system of primary collection of waste is to be so designed by the urban local bodies that it synchronizes with storage of waste at source as well as waste storage depots facility ensuring that the waste once collected reaches the processing or disposal site through a containerized system.
10.3. MEASURES NECESSARY TO IMPROVE THE SERVICE
Local bodies should provide daily waste collection service to all households, shops and establishments for the collection of putrescible organic waste from the doorstep because of the hot climatic conditions in the country. This service must be regular and reliable. Recyclable material can be collected at longer regular intervals as may be convenient to the waste producer and the waste collector, as this waste does not normally decay and need not be collected daily.
Domestic hazardous waste is produced occasionally. Such waste need not be collected from the doorstep. People could be advised or directed to deposit such waste in special bins kept in the city for disposal.
10.4. STEPS TO BE TAKEN
· Urban local bodies may arrange for the collection of domestic, trade and institutional food/ biodegradable waste from the doorstep or from the community bin on a daily basis.
· Local bodies may also arrange through NGOs collection of recyclable waste material/non bio-degradable waste other than toxic and hazardous waste from the source of waste generation at the frequency and in the manner, notified by local bodies from time to time in consultation with the NGOs/Resident Associations, etc.
· Domestic hazardous/ toxic waste material deposited by the waste producers in special bins (provided by the local body at various places in the city) may be collected at regular intervals after ascertaining the quantities of such waste deposited in special bins.
